Prachin Buri is famed for its abundance of greenery, but it has some remarkable history hidden in cultural attractions, as well.
Strong sunshine reveals the bright yellow colour of the elegant building set among colourful gardens. Some visitors may misunderstand it as a luxury hotel. But, you may not want to stay overnight here. Indeed, it is a hospital.
The beautiful building makes Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr Hospital one of the most beautiful in Thailand. It now serves as the museum of traditional Thai medical, inventing new herbal medicines and healing local people in Thai traditional ways.
The Buddha footprint in Si Mahosot ancient town. Peerawat Jariyasombat
Built in 1909, this beautiful landmark also tells stories of Prachin Buri. The baroque style building is named after Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr (Chum Abhaiwongsa, 1861-1922), a former high-ranking official who lived in Prachin Buri at that time. It was built as a residence for King Rama V during his royal visit to the province, however, the king never stayed here.
Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr was born in Battambang, presently in Cambodia. During such time, Si Sophon, Siam Reap and Battambang were colonies of Siam. He, along with his ancestors, were governors of Battambang since the reign King Rama I of Rattanakosin.
When Siam lost its Cambodian colony to the French occupation of Indochina in 1906, they asked Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr to continue his position as the Battambang governor, as his family, which had ruled Battambang since the 10th century, had quite a strong influence over the area. Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr, who had just built a building similar to the one in Battambang, rejected the proposal. He resigned and moved his family back to Bangkok a year later.
It was quite a big move. The caravan comprised over a hundred carts and a number of servants, as well as Cambodian followers. Some of them decided to settle down in the spacious area of Prachin Buri. Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr then built a new elegant property here.
Like the Damrey Sor temple he built in Battambang, Chao Phraya Abaibhubejhr spent his money to renovate Wat Kaeo Pichit, and made it the Abhaiwongsa family temple. He designed and added a number of Cambodian art works for the temple, which is situated on the other side of the Bang Pakong River.
The delicate bas relief of Rama and the demon king, a scene from the Ramakien epic, beautifies the walls of the ubosot, along with the dome, fresco and roman columns.
Influences from Cambodia can be found scattered in Prachin Buri, which can be dated back to the 12th century when the Khmer empire expanded its power over this area. The ancient town of Si Mahosot is among the best evidence of Khmer civilisation remaining in the province.
Foundations of shrines, buildings and a number of statues are found in the ancient town, which once occupied an area of 700 rai. Highlights of this archaeological site include the Buddha footprints carved on laterite, which is considered one of the largest and oldest Buddha footprints found in Thailand.
Sa Kaeo, a rectangular pond on the south of the ancient town, is marvellous with bas reliefs of different animals, namely elephants, singhas, dragons, a pig and a kinnaree, carved on the laterite walls of the pond.
The National Museum of Prachin Buri is among the best places to witness Khmer art found in the region. Its exhibits include wonderful collections of carved stone lintels, statues and tools found in the eastern part of Thailand.
Travel Info
Prachin Buri is 158km from Bangkok via highways 304 and 319.
Kantary Kabinburi and Kantary 304 are good hotels operating in Prachin Buri. Visit kantary.com.
Wat Kaeo Pichit is adorned with different art styles. Peerawat Jariyasombat
Sa Kaeo and bas relief on the pond's walls. Peerawat Jariyasombat
